A Man Called Ove: A Novel

This book really surprised me. I'd hear many great reviews for it but it didn't seem like the type of story I'd like personally. My book club recently listed this book as one of the candidates we were going to read for the month. Initially, I voted against it. But the majority was in favor for it and so this book was chosen regardless. It's one of the few times I'm glad my vote didn't win.

The main character is very likable and you become immediately invested in him. The writing is very easy to follow. I really enjoy the author's depiction of Ove and how Ove thinks and perceives the world. Chapters are relatively short, so if you're pressed for time it's easy to just read a few pages and stop before diving into a new chapter. It's funny, it's sad, it's uplifting and overall it's entertaining. Unlike many other books I've read, I did NOT regularly check the page numbers as I read, hoping that I was close to finishing. Instead, I savored each page and dreaded the moment when the story would come to an end.

Definitely one of the best books I've come across in the last few years.

My first read by this author. While the book might have been edited a little more I enjoyed it. The language is not "pure" but fit the characters. An unstated statement about looking beyond outward appearances and even the speech of a person. The underlying goodness and care for neighbors shown by actions revealed the real OVE. Perhaps others know someone like OVE who is not particularly tactful, a bit grumpy, but underneath the heart is compassionate. His own life was certainly one filled with challenges and would have been reason for him to actually BE the personna he portrayed publicly, but the real person was very different. The revelation about his wife was just an added realization of how little we know about those we see.

I finished this book and enjoyed every page. A Swedish man is forced to retire and plans his suicide, until life interupts his plan. I laughed because the slap stick humor revealed how depression slows life down to a crawl. Ove was saved by a Cat, a pregnant refugee female and other people who remain in the backgrounds of our lives.
Again the author matched the speed of his story to the emotional state of his subject, Ove.
This is a bright lightbulb and will lighten up a dull day.

"A Man Called Ove" frustrated me initially because I didn't like the character of Ove, and of course that is the point.
He's truly a grumpy old man who doesn't seem to like people or appreciate the relationships that develop.
He grows on you as the story unfolds and you come to love him and appreciate his unusual personality.
Also, there are some really classic surprises and twists to the story which make you chuckle as it ends

Ove is a curmudgeony man who has recently lost his wife, "the only one in the world who understood him ". He is 59 years old. Ove believes in order, routine, square corners , doing what is right. He is a man of few words; he doesnt smile much. He misses his wife so much that he decides to kill himself. Each time he is interrupted.

The foreign, pregnant lady and her family moves across the street from Ove. His life is about to change for the better, but Ove is not convinced.

At first the book seemed sad and pointless. Soon I was laughing hysterically at the author's hyperboles and the interruptions Ove endures.
Ove is a believable character; he could be my father in law or my dad. The one problem is he is too young and too angry. You will love all the others, too.

This is a story about love, hate, compassion, forgiveness & stubbornness.

The book starts slowly about a grumpy old man. You may not like him. Don't quit. You may find it difficult when the author keeps going from present to past. It seems to go nowhere. The book eventually is impossible to put down.

There is more to every person than meets the eye. Ove is much more than a grumpy old man. The various characters in the book touch on current social issues just enough to make you think.

You'll snicker, laugh & cry. Truly 5 stars.

Sometimes, a certain kind of man lives his life in a certain kind of way, a proper way. He doesn’t ask for much and he gives what he can. Sometimes, that’s enough.
This book was wonderful. It moved at the exact pace it should to keep the story moving. It’s important to understand that there are certain facts that need to be shared at very precise moments in the story. There is a pace to the development of the relationship that a reader may have with this curmudgeonly old man. It wouldn’t do to become rapt with him right away (though you will, as I have), nor can you take too long and miss the intricacies and reason behind his very particular behaviors and attitudes.
Ove is a man unto himself. His world is small but well managed and his heart is big, too big, in fact. I love him.

** spoiler alert ** This is the sweetest book! I think we all know a curmudgeonly old man who just needs to find his purpose in life. I love how Backman weaves the story together so we can really get a feel for how Ove came to be where he is. You get a hint that there's a lot more to his story when the book starts, but I certainly didn't expect there to be that much in his background!

I love Parnevah as well. It's clear she's got a sense for people. We can all use someone in our lives who doesn't give up on us, even when we want them to.

I cried at the end. Caught myself tearing up at other points, but the end really got to me. I am thrilled with the way it ended though. I'm glad Ove got to live some more, even without his beloved Sonja

An acquaintance I was having a discussion with about books mentioned that this was next on his list. So of course I went and purchased it. It's a sweet story, and I found myself laughing out loud throughout the book.

But. If you have recently just lost someone, this will not be the easiest book to read. By the end of chapter three I was in tears. Ove lost his wife six months prior at that point of the story. I lost my husband six months ago. The grieving process i can identify with too closely, including talking to my husband like he's still there. Even second guessing what he'd be doing or saying given any number of situations. Just like the character in the book does.

But aside from my own personal feelings, the book is well written, witty, heartfelt, and funny, and highly recommended. I would have enjoyed reading this out loud to my husband if I had it a year ago. Well, in fact I did read parts of it out loud. Just in case.

I struggled through the first few chapters. Read a bit, put it down, picked it back up. And then the pieces began coming together and I couldn't put the book down. It's all about what makes Ove tick and how those around him unknowingly help him through an impossible loss, need his help and love him unconditionally.

This is a delightful story about a curmudgeon with a big heart. I laughed (mostly) and cried at Ove's impatience with the people who force their way into his very set and structured life. Ove is a man I would welcome into my life to be my friend. His character is one you just don't find in this day and age anymore. Honest, reliable, sincere, hard working and rigid. Ove is a man who stands for principle. Those he loves, he loves deeply and forever. Those he doesn't, he avoids if at all possible. He sees the world through clear eyes, but doesn't always understand people who are different than he is, especially the younger generations. The author (Fredrik Backman) has a wonderful sense of humor and timing. I liked this book so much I've purchased his other two books. Backman is one of my new favorite authors.

Heads up, treasure-hunters of harsh enough, brash enough, warm enough, funny enough, historical enough, ALL-enough-to-be- true, yet....truly fictitious storytelling. Look no further. Although I am admittedly, a prude, I would rather NOT read words that I would NOT speak, even IF I had a mouthful of it ( as mother used to say....) STILL could not put the book down. THOSE words, I met them on the first few pages, but something in the inner being of the book urged me to travel on. Grumpy old men, they really are the BEST, after all. Because, under the refusal to display their pain, and behind that scowl set like stone in order to protect themselves from more of the same; is a soul that really would welcome a little bit more of this world's joy, if only it would just show up! And it does for Ove, in spite of himself. And then his joy leaks into the lives of others, and slowly, hesitant at first, his almost-too-late joy is embraced by his wonder. An element of life that was almost never his, even in childhood. Trust me, you must meet this gentleman. And that, he IS, in spite of THOSE words.

A MAN CALLED OVE by Fredrik Backman
To say Ove was set in his ways would be a gross understatement. But Ove’s wife loved him and he loved her. Life was good until tragedy struck – twice. Now Ove is alone and wishes to kill himself, but life intervenes in the guise of neighbors, friends, enemies and Ove himself.
Strong characters, a sure sense of time and place and a plot that meanders to a well thought out conclusion combine to make a tale well worth reading. Book groups will find plenty to talk about – lonely people, compromise of principle, suicide, anger, family, friendship, neighborliness, and Ove’s signature statement – “What is right is right” always – maybe.
5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this delightful book. I had seen it on the best-seller list for a long time, finally bought it a while back and then decided to read it for a change of pace from my usual true crime and/or psychological thriller reads. I found myself smiling as I read it, wiping my eyes at times and then laughing out loud at some of the things that Ove did or said. I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful book and I am going to read the other books written by this author as well.

I really enjoyed reading this book, Fredrick the author has a unique gift in telling a fantastic story about ove, an older man who can be very cranky most of the time, all rules must be obeyed, and he loves routine, hates authority, but behind all his angry outbursts, there is a remarkable story of love and sadness and you get to understand why he is so cranky, (I am over 50+ in age now and I must admit as a reader I could relate to a lot of things the ove gets annoyed at) a great book to read, and if you are at my age you will enjoy it, it will make you laugh, and even make you cry(well it was probably dust or something in my eyes but I had a few tears) but I think people of any age would enjoy this book, but the older generation will understand it more....thank you Fredrick Backman .....you are the reason why I love to read, and keep on doing what you do best, writing a great story, I have since bought your other 2 novels and have preordered your new book.

Interesting story of a strange man who seems to be totally negative about life, but actually has a heart of gold. Contemplating suicide after the death of his wife, he leads an organized, negative, argumentative life in his neighborhood. The author laid out the story very well and keeps you reading to see just where Ove is going with his life. His relationship with his deceased wife is very interesting and plants the motive for much of Ove's life.Read this one!

By preference, I started reading this book without knowing a single thing about it. Despite the curmudgeonly personality of Ove, I grew to like and respect him (and his stubbornness) immensely.

Admittedly I kept thinking of Dorothy Parker's poem "Resume" that ends "You might as well live" after she enumerates the problems various methods of suicide involve. I enjoyed the author's style and sense of humor; I look forward to reading other works by Mr. Backman.

Oh, don’t miss this. Experience the sheer joy of Backman’s writing—I laughed so hard I cried, and when Ove suffered injustice or loss, how I understood his rage--but admired his essential restraint. This isn't a facile curmudgeon-with-a-heart of gold tale. Ove is of a piece all the way through. What a writer Backman is! Thank you, sir. The characters are simply wonderful, and every one of them believable, quirky and weird as some of them are. This surely ranks among the best five books I’ve ever read (and I’m sixty-nine). Strange, strange man, but we understand why his wife Sonja loved him. I would have loved him.

Oh how I loved this book! The humor, the humanness of the characters especially as Ove is described was wonderful. It took me a few chapters into the story of Ove to understand what was going on, which gave even more depth to this narrative. That curmudgeonly kind man, with the self-composed cat and a small neighborhood variety of neighbors kept me reading. I love Backman's gift of telling this story with deep humor and also a love for Ove, clearly, while being honest in his portrayal. Ove is set upon ending his life and gets interrupted each time until finally his life ends without his design. The gift to tell a story with humor yet one that grabs at the reader's heart is rare, and Backman achieves this. Maybe it is in the Swedish nature to tell stories, because of the Scandinavian genetic bent to tell the ancient stories. Backman inherits that tradition, twists it around into not-quite-comedy, but uses words like no author I've run across lately . . . and I've read a lot of books in my lifetime. Bravo Backman!

My brother sent me the audible version of this book as he enjoyed it so much he couldn't wait for me to hear it too! WOW, I must say it's one of the best books I've ever read and so I purchased this one for someone I work with on her birthday. Am getting ready to buy another one very soon for a family members birthday!! This author is a keeper and I have all his books on my "to read soon list" now....HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!!

“A Man Called Ove”, by Fredrik Backman, has been sitting on my To Be Read (TBR) stack for a while, and then the 2017 Oscar nominations came out and the film based on the novel is nominated for two, including Best Foreign Film, so I wanted to read the book before seeing the movie. Oh my gosh I was transported! I fell in love with the quintessential curmudgeon, Ove, and the love-ably crazy denizens of his housing complex. This novel is utterly delightful, I can only hope the movie does it justice.

As I’m writing this entirely superfluous review there are already over 9,000 positive reviews on the store. So I’ll end it here: I highly recommend this novel to any reader.

Generally, if I'm not hooked from the beginning, I move on to another book. But I needed to read this for my book club and intensely hated it for the first few pages. Ove is a grumpy old man, to put it mildly, and extremely unlikable until the reader gets to know him through experiencing his life-changing events, past and present. By the end of the book, I loved Ove and was glad to have met him and the other interesting characters who intersect his life in this odd but wonderful book.

????? this book! Loved the crotchety Ove from the minute I met him. His transformation due to the twists and turns kept me wanting more. I loved the characters, the nuances, the giggles and the tears. I especially loved the growth of Ove. I bought the book the read on Kindle but I want a paper copy, as well.
READ THIS BOOK—YOU WILL BE HAPPY YOU DID!!!!!

Although Ove was a little difficult to connect with in the beginning, he very soon grew on me. One of the gentlest books I've read in a long time, the story is written with a wry, sometimes covert sense of humour, and even in the very few incidents where violence occurred, the story was told so very carefully. By the end I had connected so firmly with Ove that I was sobbing my eyes out (loudly) as the story came to its conclusion. I will read this book again, out loud, to my partner. The first book I've read that was written by Fredrik Backman, but definitely not the last. I loved it!

I had no expectations that I would like this book. I loved, in the opening of the book, going into an Apple store with a curmudgeon like Ove. I can't believe the negative reviewers who say they don't know anyone like Ove. (I married my Ove decades ago.) I found much humor in the book. It also made me she'd a tear. Very nicely done.

The story was easy to read and interesting translated from Swedish. The old man seems like a caricature and almost hard to believe, but I thought that it is an insightful commentary of how one man responds to loss in his life (by stubbornly sticking to rules, trying to withdraw, getting combative with the world, being angry, opinionated and downright ornery) and how engaging with others and learning to look outside oneself can give new purpose to life. It takes meddling and needy neighbors, a timely stray cat, lonely youths, adoring children and a worthy cause to fight for to literally bring Ove back from the verge of suicide. A story of hope.

I was recommended this book by a friend, started it then got involved in another book or two then went back to this wonderful read, took me awhile to understand this book but when I 'got it' couldn't put it down or thought about it until I could continue to read it and have recommended this book to everyone that wants to read a heartwarming book about a deep love and devotion that a man can have for his wife and how he helped others along the way , a must read

The enormous amount of favorable ratings drew me to this book. At first, I couldn't figure it out. Grumpy old man! So negative! If you feel like that - keep reading. The first time the story goes back to his childhood, you will start to be hooked! This is not just a story, it is a journey. It is love, it is joy, it demonstrates God's plan. I loved this book. There is not any sex, blood or gore - just an incredible story. It is a beautiful, beautiful book!

Hyper ordinary in an extraordinary way is A Man Called Ove. He is a throw back but not a throw away kind of character who impacted a large number of people because of his extraordinary commitment to ordinary decency. Like so many of us, he is not suave or sophisticated, but within a very limited range of possibilities he stands for a quality of excellence that allows for delight without being cloaked in surprises. Resigned without surrendering to a complex world he does not fully comprehend, he stands in an austerely brusque way for and against the vagaries of a world that seems to have lost any notion of compassion or common sense. Ove is a study in alienation within a world that is both fixed and flexible, while he is not. Written much in the manner of James Thurber, I found the story delightfully compelling. I recommend it highly.

Such a good book!!! In many reviews Ove is described as a "grumply old man", but I beg to differ. Reading about his OCD, I'm inclined to think that maybe he had Asperger's. He was completely overtaken with grief when the one woman who loved him and understood him died. Bless the foreign neighbor who made her mission to draw him back. You will laugh out loud and fell deep sadness for this poor man. Highly recommend.

A very entertaining read. Mostly very funny, but with some poignant episodes that keep Ove from becoming a stereotype. Ove is pretty much the town crank, seeing everything in shades of black and white and insisting that things be done the way that makes sense to him. But he is shaken out of his straight-on approach to life by his colorful new neighbors, a stray cat, and, we find later, the recent death of his wife, the only person he ever really loved besides his father. The decline of his neighbor and former best friend presents challenges that Ove must meet in unexpected ways. Hard to put down.

I was in the mood for something different than my typical selections and I stumbled on this book. I actually read the first chapter and began to regret my purchase. A week or two later, after I finished another book, I decided to go back and give it one more try and I am so, so glad I did. This is such a provocative read and the character development, particularly of Ove, was masterful. I've decided that I am going to get out of my comfort zone more often.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ove is quite a unique person
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I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! Ove is quite a unique character yet he is someone we all have met in our lifetime. He is as hard as a rock on the outside and as soft as a mushroom on the inside. He earns the love and respect of his friends and neighbors in spite his gruff nature. Ove will make you laugh and make you cry. You are going to love this man!

The ending of this book is beautiful. For someone who lost their beautiful 14 year old Shelby to suicide I became very hesitant to read any further when I grasped the storyline of this book HOWEVER this author took a very delicate human situation and wrote a beautiful life about Ove. I will reread this book in my lifetime. To all those in this world having a hard time I hope you remember FOREVER IS FOREVER Things are temporary. Ove to all of you?

I found this funny, insightful and a profound examination of a life. It may not be for everyone, and the main character has many flaws - it is about a human after all. Initially I did not care for the main character but grew more attached to him as the story unfolded. My rating speaks for itself.

I don't agree with the (admittedly few) reviewers who found this book "slow." From the first sentences in the hilarious opening scene I was hooked, and I raced through the book as fast as I could read, while simultaneously hoping it would never end. Higher praise I cannot give.
I loved the decision to include chapter titles, along with little line drawings, to clue us in to the upcoming episodes in Ove's life - a stylistic treatment long out of favor in the publishing world, especially for "serious" or "adult" fiction. This was obviously a deliberate decision: we are lulled into the false sense that Backman is writing a simple book, about a simple soul, when the opposite is the case. It is as full of humor and sadness as life itself is. Can't wait to read it again, for any nuggets I missed the first time!

Reading this novel, I could see my own German descent grandfather as Ovi. As Ovi grieved over the death of his wife, Sonja, so did my grandfather grieve for his wife. Ovi is from a generation which has totally different values. He had been somewhat protected from reality by Sonja. Upon her departure from this world, Ovi realizes how much he loved and depended on Sonja. She was the sparkle in his life. Without her life is boring and monotonous and has no meaning.

He has no friends and no relatives. Avi is very angry and everything to him is black or white. This novel is about survival, forgiveness and learning to Love all over again.

It was a different read than so many novels today. initially it took me a bit longer to get interested in the story but once you get what is happening, the book becomes much more interesting. The telling lets you know a little at a time about what has led up to current day, what is actually going on in current day and very nicely provides you the ending. It is set in Sweden and you get a glimpse of Sweden's government shortcomings -- some of which can be related to any government. But the real story is about Ove, a man who has ideals and standards that he uses to measure everyone else by. It is the story of Ove whose life was definitely changed by his one love. And it is the story of Ove and the effect of his neighbors. Enjoy it.

Ove was adept at everything he attempted to do except one thing, which is somewhat the basis of the story; we are so glad about this...he was able to help others by being inept at that one thing...I liked his "hard-shell" exterior, while the author revealed his "soft-shell" interior...very well done, in my opinion...but then, I always enjoy these types of stories...I liked "Britt-Marie" (but not as good as "Ove") and am a Rachel Joyce fan ("Perfect", "The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper", "Pilgrimmage of Harold Frye"....if you liked these, you will like "Ove"....(but don't bother with "Love Song of Queenie Hennessy"--kinda dumb)

The lovely thing about book-clubs is that you often read books outside your comfort genre - books you never would have read otherwise. Some of those are a bit of a slog, even though in the end you enjoy them. This was not one of those. From the first chapter, I was hooked. The mix of humour and truly poignant moments made it a beautiful and uplifting read. (And there is a cat! How could I not love a book with a cat?)
There is so much kindness, ordinary kindness in this book - not just from Ove, but all the people he comes to know. It left me smiling and a little more hopeful in these dark times.

the store very disappointed in this purchase wanted actual tape of book- seems I was forced to you other company for download of the book! Did not want download- wanted to present the book tape as a gift. Not too smart on these downloads- in the past I have purchased books on tape! I tried to cancel on audible.com- couldn’t figure out how to do it! It is not as easy to make changes as your sight! Have not opened download- will get one of my grandchildren to do it!

At first glance you might decide that you really don't like, and never will like, this crotchety old guy who really isn't old at all but absolutely is crotchety. But of course I'm describing how I felt -- it might be love at first glance for you. But since it was chosen as our January read by one of our book club members I felt I had to give it more than the chapter or two I'd read.

Am I glad I hung in since it turned out to be laugh-out-loud funny. No, "funny" isn't right, it was laugh-out-loud hilarious that is until it became hard to read through you tears.

Mr. Backman has written a gem of a novel -one which I'll think about from time-to-time and remember how totally awesome humankind can be.

A heartwarming story of a widower/curmudgeon who is too lonely to go on when his life becomes continually interrupted by annoying new neighbors who ultimately awaken joy within him. Great book. Tom Hanks is said to be producing and starring in the film for this book in English. It has already been made into a film in Swedish (with English captions) that is available on Netflix. But don't watch the film first. Read the book. I've recommended it to a number of people who all loved it. A great read!

This book almost immediately reminded me of Confederacy of Dunces. Ove' s personality is not unlike that of the main character in that book, Ignatius J. Reilly. Ove lacks any ability to understand others who are not like he is and sometimes even when they are. As in Confederacy, Ove is constantly trying to figure out why people lack his awareness.

I cannot remember laughing out loud so often while reading a book as I did in this book. I also cried, as it is very poignant at times. It is beautifully written, and I felt as though I knew Ove by the end and loved this irascible old codger.

A delightful read! Made me laugh out loud and also shed a few tears. Masterfully written, so the characters come to life and evoke wonderful memories of people you have known in your own life. The author endears each one (especially Ove) to you and makes you rejoice in the connections and the sense of community that bring them together in the end. I also loved the thoughtful gems of wisdom scattered throughout the book, often in a sort of offhand way, as you are given insights into each character’s thoughts and reactions to those around him.